Malaysia Digital Arrival Card for Travellers from the Philippines
A clear, complete guide to MDAC pre-arrival clearance, ASEAN visa-free entry terms, autogate eligibility, and required documentation for Filipino passport holders visiting Malaysia.
Key Facts at a Glance for Filipino Visitors
Visa-Free Stay Duration
Continuous days granted per entry for leisure, social visits, and business talks.
Passport Validity
Minimum 6 full months remaining validity with at least 2 consecutive blank visa pages.
Submission Window
Submit strictly within 3 calendar days prior to touchdown (arrival day counts as Day 1).
Zero Government Fee
Official fee is $0.00 / RM 0. The Malaysian Immigration Department charges no processing levy.
Border Entry Regulations for Filipino Passport Holders
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is a compulsory pre-arrival electronic declaration operated by the Immigration Department of Malaysia. It is not a visa and does not itself guarantee entry.
Filipino nationals travelling for tourism or short social visits can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days under the ASEAN visa waiver. This exemption does not remove the MDAC requirement — it must still be submitted online within 3 days prior to your arrival date (counting the arrival day as Day 1).
| Entry Category | Permitted Purpose | Permitted Duration | MDAC Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ASEAN Visa Waiver (30 Days)
General Tourism & Visiting
|
Sightseeing, visiting family, attending conferences, general business meetings | Up to 30 Days (Strictly non-extendable) | check_circle Yes — Mandatory |
|
eVisa / Specialist Passes
Short Contract / Extended Training
|
Internships, technical installation, professional consulting beyond 30 days | Per specific Visa approval notice | check_circle Yes — Mandatory |
|
Long-Term Resident Passes
EP, Student Pass, MM2H, PVP
|
Employment, higher education degrees, residence via Malaysia My Second Home | 6 to 60 Months | cancel Exempt (Registered pass holders) |
Important: Mandatory Proof of Return Ticket & Accommodation
Immigration officers at KLIA, Penang International Airport, and Johor land checkpoints routinely request Filipino visitors to produce a confirmed return ticket to Philippines or onward destination within 30 days, proof of paid hotel booking with a valid 5-digit Malaysian postcode, and evidence of sufficient funds for the stay.
Step-by-Step Border Clearance Process
Follow this 4-step sequence to guarantee immediate processing upon landing at Malaysian checkpoints.
Confirm Visa-Free Eligibility
Verify that your trip purpose is strictly tourism or social visits within the visa-free window. Inspect your passport to ensure at least 6 months of validity remains prior to departure.
Gather Required Documentation
Have your passport, flight itinerary, and Malaysian hotel booking ready before boarding your flight from Manila (NAIA), Cebu, Clark, or other departure hubs. Also have your Malaysian hotel address including the 5-digit postcode ready.
Submit MDAC Online via imi.gov.my
Access the official portal within 3 calendar days of your flight. Complete all fields in English matching your passport information exactly. Ensure zero processing fees are shown.
Save & Screenshot Confirmation
Download the PDF confirmation receipt with your registration PIN. Save offline screenshots on your phone for immediate display at border gates or airline check-in desks.
Predatory copycat websites frequently place targeted search-engine ads aimed at Filipino travellers, especially during peak holiday travel periods, charging bogus "expedited clearance charges." The Malaysian Government never charges for an MDAC submission. If a website prompts you for credit card or payment details, you are on an unofficial intermediary site.
Ready to Submit Your Malaysian Arrival Card?
Remember: Philippine citizens do not pay any fee for the MDAC. Only submit via the official immigration website within 3 days prior to arrival.
Opens the official Immigration Department of Malaysia website in a new tab. MDAC Guide is independent and does not collect or store traveller data.
Frequently Asked Questions for Filipino Travellers
Specific guidance for individual visitors, families, and transit passengers.
Can I use the autogate on my first visit to Malaysia? expand_more
Is the 30-day visa-free allowance extendable? expand_more
Can I edit my MDAC after submitting it? expand_more
What happens if my flight transits through Singapore or Brunei before entering Malaysia? expand_more
Cross-Referenced Government Sources
Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (JIM) Directives · Overseas Malaysian Mission Consular Updates · KLIA Border Operations Manual.